One of the anonymous commenters turned from his desk at Democrat or the Williams for Senate Headquarters (we can only assume) and tapped out the following comment on his phone:
So, where will we see Sen. Thune during August recess? Why not with his weekly column provide his schedule of where we can see the senator? What events/appearances/town hall events are planned? Anything?? For a senator promoting that he wants to be hearing from us, why are events/appearances so hard to find? Or is nothing planned?
The thing is, this person could not be farther from the truth if they tried. I note this, because unlike the impression they’re trying to give, Senator Thune is out on the road listening to constituents during August recess.
I know, because at least for many Senate functions, they do send out press advisories, in case we in the media would like to pop over and cover it. (Sometimes when I’m free and they’re in the area, I even make it out to do it.) But never assume Thune or any of our delegation is home watching TV. They’re typically out on the road traveling hard.
Such as two days ago, when Thune was in Mobridge & Onida…
Thune in Mobridge, Onida Today
WASHINGTON — Today U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) will travel to Mobridge to address the Mobridge Rotary Club before heading to Onida to tour the Onida Clinic.
Today, July 18:
WHAT:Mobridge Rotary Club
WHEN:12:00 p.m. CDT
WHERE:Moose Lodge, Shore Acres – 1109 West Grand Crossing – Mobridge, S.D.WHAT:Onida Clinic Tour
WHEN:3:30 p.m. CDT
WHERE:303 South Main Streetv- Onida, S.D.
Or yesterday, when Senator Thune was in Eagle Butte:
Thune in Eagle Butte Tomorrow
WASHINGTON — Tomorrow U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) will travel to Eagle Butte to be briefed by Cheyenne River Sioux tribal leadership on housing, education, and law enforcement issues, as well as the ongoing crisis at the Indian Health Service (IHS).
In May, Thune introduced the IHS Accountability Act, which would bring greater accountability and transparency to the federal agency tasked with providing health care to tribal members throughout the Great Plains.
Tuesday, July 19:
WHAT:Meeting With Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Leadership
WHEN:11:30 a.m. MDT
WHERE:Tribal Headquarters – Eagle Butte, S.D.
Or today, when he’s spending time in Pierre…
Thune in Pierre Tomorrow
WASHINGTON — Tomorrow U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) will travel to Pierre to be briefed on Missouri River issues at the State Capitol before meeting with local law enforcement officials and touring the Law Enforcement Training Center.
Wednesday, July 20:
WHAT:Missouri River Briefing
WHEN:11:00 a.m. CDT
WHERE: State Capitol – 500 East Capitol Avenue – Pierre, S.D.WHAT:Law Enforcement Training Center Meeting and Tour
WHEN:1:00 p.m. CDT
WHERE:Criminal Justice Training Center – 1302 East Highway 14, Suite 5 – Pierre, S.D.###
While they might not post a calendar weeks ahead of time, Senator Thune (and the rest of our delegation) are scheduled pretty extensively during their time off from Washington business. That’s why they have both an in-state, and DC scheduler. They’re that busy, and quite in demand for their time.
I don’t know that you’ll ever see a comprehensive calendar posted, as unfortunately, in today’s world, many times comprehensive calendars are not released in order to prevent someone from trying to do harm to public officials.
But don’t take that to mean they’re not out there pounding the pavement listening to what people say. That type of false cynicism is reserved for political operatives trying to make hay where none exists.
Thank you for your post on this matter. It would be nice if anonymous would put a handle to their name other than anonymous, as there is more than 1 on this website.
With these examples of Thune’s appearances I would say the commenter has a point. These are not public events. Rotary is a private club, tribal leadership is a small private group, and Missouri River briefing with law enforcement is not exactly a way to reach the voters. Would be curious if he will be making himself available and accessible to the public through events thoughout the state? I guess he informs media where he will be and tells media about his planned activities, what about informing voters? Why no schedule of events listed where he will be making himself available to voters and not just private small groups?
How about setting up a meeting at the Dav to talk to disabled veterans, and here what he is going to do to help all those workers losing their pensions.Photo ops may be great but lip service not.
The August recess begins in July?
Thune and Noem are the most accessible politicians since perhaps Jim Abdnor. But you probably have to get off your couch and make an ounce of effort.
The patients at the Onida Clinic were probably thrilled to see Thune. And tour a clinic? Really? Queen Elizabeth’s daily schedule is far more interesting than Thune’s.